despotism

Definition of Despotism in English :

dominance through threat of punishment and violence

a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Despotism

noun

1.

the rule of a despot; arbitrary, absolute, or tyrannical government

2.

arbitrary or tyrannical authority or behaviour

noun

1.

rule or domination by a despot; autocracy

2.

the methods or acts of a despot; tyranny

3.

a political system, state, etc. dominated by a despot

n.

1. Rule by or as if by a despot; absolute power or authority.

2. The actions of a despot; tyranny.

3.

a. A government or political system in which the ruler exercises absolute power.

b. A state so ruled.